Ergonomics interventions improve quality in manufacturing: a case study
by Oguzhan Erdinc, Ozalp Vayvay
International Journal of Industrial and Systems Engineering (IJISE), Vol. 3, No. 6, 2008

Abstract: Ergonomics interventions that enhance employee performance lead to better quality in manufacturing. This study exemplified Quality Improvement Through Ergonomics (QUITE) interventions in apparel manufacturing context. The study was conducted at two machine sewing lines in an apparel manufacturing company. Ergonomics problems and quality performance were assessed before and after interventions. Major ergonomics problems were awkward postures, musculoskeletal discomfort and difficulty in monitoring operation of machine needle and flow of stitches. Operators were given ergonomics training and a manual about correct work methods. A reminder figure showing correct work postures was installed on workstations. Workstation adjustments and machine tilting were applied. After interventions, significant reductions in ergonomics problems were attained, proportion of Sewing Operator Related Defective Products (SORDP) was reduced by 56% in Line 1 and by 52% in Line 2. It was concluded that ergonomics interventions served to improve quality via reduction of operator errors in machine sewing task.

Online publication date: Fri, 10-Oct-2008

The full text of this article is only available to individual subscribers or to users at subscribing institutions.

 
Existing subscribers:
Go to Inderscience Online Journals to access the Full Text of this article.

Pay per view:
If you are not a subscriber and you just want to read the full contents of this article, buy online access here.

Complimentary Subscribers, Editors or Members of the Editorial Board of the International Journal of Industrial and Systems Engineering (IJISE):
Login with your Inderscience username and password:

Username:        Password:          Forgotten your password?

Want to subscribe?
A subscription gives you complete access to all articles in the current issue, as well as to all articles in the previous three years (where applicable). See our Orders page to subscribe.

If you still need assistance, please email subs@inderscience.com